The fate of Soddy-Daisy resident Brenda Smith's 22 goats will be decided on Thursday, March 1 at the city's next commission meeting, during which time the board of commissioners will hear public opinion on the situation. The meeting will be held at City Hall at 7 p.m.
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According to an ordinance written specifically for Smith and previously passed by the board, Smith is required to lower the number of goats on her property to eight. Her brother Cecil Smith, who lives across the street, has requested the commission enforce the ordinance.
On first reading Feb. 16, commissioners passed by a 3-2 vote an ordinance that would apply to Smith as well as others who have kept animals on their property for a long period of time.
"If you've had animals more than 10 years, you're entitled to keep those until attrition runs its course," said City Manager Hardie Stulce in explanation of the new ordinance.
"You can't move animals in on property now that's not properly zoned," Commissioner Geno Shipley clarified. "This is not to open up the city to keep a bunch of animals in yards."